title: Barbed sutures in breast reconstruction.
abstract: Postoperative closure techniques in breast reconstruction have remained largely unchanged over the past 75 years, despite recent use of adhesives and subcuticular staples and the advent of self-anchoring barbed sutures. In this article, the author discusses the applications for barbed sutures in breast reconstruction and describes specific techniques. Innovations in barbed suture material are also described, and the author's personal experiences are presented in comparison with traditional suturing techniques.
authors.affiliation: Dr Salzberg is Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.
authors.forename: C Andrew
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Salzberg
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000266:history / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000266:history / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013537:Sutures / Q000266:history; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: acellular dermal matrix; breast reconstruction; delayed; flaps; immediate; implants; latissimus flap; supplement; tissue expanders; tram